The robbery and shooting death of the Mexican circus operator in St. Maarten this week, has nothing to do with Anguilla, but because of the close proximity of the two islands, such incidents are cause for concern. This is especially so as cross-border crime has affected Anguilla already and it is something we must guard against.

The circus has been a place of much attraction each night for hundreds of persons in the half-Dutch, half-French territory as well as visitors including Anguillians to some extent. It is a most disturbing and embarrassing crime to the Government and people of St. Maarten and must be roundly condemned by all concerned. Every effort must be made to apprehend and punish the bandits who, having reportedly snatched the man’s money bag to satisfy their greed, could have allowed him to live. His killing is a barbaric, senseless and satanic act.

The people of these neighbouring islands are worried about the proliferation of firearms in the hands of criminals who have no respect for human life and property. The authorities in St. Martin/St. Maarten must spare no effort to control the availability of guns in that territory whatever it takes. By doing so they would stem the charges of neighbouring islands, like Anguilla and St. Kitts, that the illegal firearms being used here and there are largely obtained in that twin island.

We trust that the time will come when all of these, and other small islands in our region, will be able to erase such bad publicity crimes from our shores. It is the responsibility of the Governments, law enforcement agencies and, in the case of the protectorates of the British, French, Dutch and other Overseas Territories, to work together to maintain a safe environment for all who live in the islands and those who come to visit, reside or do business with us.

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